Mekong Days in Washington

22 March 2013 | Article

The Mekong Region is a massive ecosystem that is the lifeline for more than 60 million people across six countries. In the Lower Mekong Basin, it provides fish to more people than any other river in the world. More than 150 hydropower dams are currently planned, under construction, or commissioned for the Mekong and its tributaries. If constructed, the dams will radically alter the basin’s hydrology, ecology and, consequently, the lives of millions who depend upon it. How can these seemingly opposite demands be met?

Goethe-Institutes in Thailand & Vietnam, IUCN, IGSD, CGIAR and the Wilson Center join hands to organise MEKONG DAYS in Washington DC, USA from 22-26 March 2013.
Friday, March 22, 5:30 pm | Goethe-Institut, 812 7th St. NW
Opening Ceremony for Mekong DaysArt works by Phan Thao Ngyuen (Vietnam), Lim Sokchanlina (Cambodia), Piyaporn Wongruang (Thailand).
The US premiere of Mekong (director: Douglas Varchol) captures footage of China’s Mekong (Lancang) dams, as well as the controversial Xayaburi Dam in Laos. Followed by a reception hosted by the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, and a screening of Mekong, the Mother (director: Peter Degen) Tickets: $7

Sunday, March 24, 2 – 5 pm | Goethe-Institut
Artists Give a Voice to NatureSound installation by Phan Thao Ngyuen (Vietnam).
Southeast Asian Student Documentary Film Award presentation with films by Panida Sanatem, Maiphone Phommachan (Laos), Narong Srisopap (Thailand), Chum Sophea (Cambodia) and more. Followed by a discussion of the role of the arts in the perception of social and environmental issues.
RSVP: rsvp@washington.goethe.org